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I received an e-mail yesterday from a community police officer from Lancashire. He asked me to pass on this press release, as the police in the county are trying to clamp down on the increasing number of car thefts from bird watchers in the area. I know a lot of our members aren't from the area, but I think it's important to let people know what's going on. The press release is below.

Quote:
Police are urging visitors to north Lancashire’s rural beauty spots to do all they can to avoid becoming a victim of car crime. Sgt Sally Parr from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team says there has been a rise in thefts from cars parked in areas such as Warton, Silverdale and the Yealands in recent weeks with opportunists targeting vehicles whose owners have left bags, purses, glasses and CDs inside and on display. Sgt Parr said: “We have a lot of really popular beauty spots in our area and theft from vehicles at car parks is sometimes a problem. We have seen a rise in the last few weeks and are keen to warn people that if they don’t want their day out spoiled by crime, they should leave nothing in their car when they park it. Items shouldn’t be hidden in the boot or under the seat, as thieves will search there too.

“Officers will be patrolling the area regularly throughout the next few weeks but I would suggest to anyone setting out to enjoy the local area that if there is something you will not need on your visit, then leave it at home.” Sgt Parr asked anyone who sees anyone or any vehicles acting suspiciously in the area to contact police on 01524 63333.

Duly noted! Thanks for posting that Xeract, I had no idea that it had become such a problem. Its such a shame though that such a leisurely and enjoyable activity can be spoiled in that way
I think it's a great idea from the police officer to try and reach people through websites like this, thanks for posting.
I've seen a few "Unsavoury types" hanging about car parks recently.

I also heard that they look for RSPB stickers etc in windows as an indication that there may be binoculars etc to thieve.
It's such a shame that you can't even put an RSPB sticker on without making yourself a target these days. It's also a shame that we all feel automatically suspicious of people, but there is so much of it going on that you can't help yourself.
Yes - it is a shame, but I'm not going to remove my RSPB sticker as I'm proud to support them and think they do great work.

cagandnant Wrote:
Yes - it is a shame, but I'm not going to remove my RSPB sticker as I'm proud to support them and think they do great work.



I agree, they do brilliant work. I too am a member.

keeping my stickers - mostly RSPB but birdfair stickers too.

make sure you don't leave anything visible and be aware when you reach your parking spot who might be watching you.

if we don't know the car park or know that it is an isolate spot, we tend to get our stuff ready before we get there so that we don't open the boot at the location.
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